I used the app and it told me that I was a snake by virtue of a stupidly flexible spine, and suggested the Arione R1 saddle – reviewed here. These match up with Link R1 Snake or Link R3 Snake shorts.

The theory is that a snake-type rider doesn't rotate their pelvis while riding, but instead flexes their spine in order to reach the handlebar. The Arione saddles suggested for snakes are long and flat (the idea being 'to guarantee a precise match between the rider's sit bones and the saddle surface, and to allow the maximum freedom of fore and aft movement on the saddle'), and the type of padding and its positioning in the Link R1 Snake shorts are designed to work specifically with Arione saddles and snake-type riders.

The seat pad – made by Elastic Interface, so the quality is guaranteed to be high – comprises a seamless moulded cover that sits next to your skin, and two 3D ring mouldings (one 4mm, the other 10mm, both 120kg/m3) sandwiched on top of a base layer.

I must say, I thought this Spine Concept stuff was OTT; a bit of marketing to differentiate Fizik's products from everyone else's. It's just a bike saddle and shorts, after all. But then I found the Link R1 Snake shorts exceptionally comfortable.

It's a fairly substantial pad that does a fabulous job of cushioning you from pressure whatever position you're riding in. Short rides, long rides, in between length rides... I've stayed comfortable without any issues at all. The pad breathes well to avoid too much sweatiness, the two sides can move independently as you pedal, and there are no seams to make you sore.

Even putting the pad to one side, the Link R1 Snake shorts are still very good, as you'd expect at this price.

They're made mostly from a polyamide/elastane woven fabric that doesn't readily take on water. It's not classed as water resistant but a little road spray will just bead up and roll off, and it dries out quickly too.

Although lightweight, the fabric feels quite compressive and the legs are long, extending almost down to the knees, so you get plenty of support for your quads. A silicone gripper inside the raw edge holds them in place well. Fizik has kept the number of seams low so there's not much scope for rubbing or coming unstitched.

The bib section is stretchy with wide straps that spread the load. They don't breathe as well as mesh straps but they hold everything in place well.

I've used these shorts on saddles other than the Arione too, and they've been equally impressive. Of course, Fizik wants you to buy the shorts and the saddle, and doubtless some combinations work better than others, but you don't need to feel tied into the brand, in my opinion.

One other thing that's worth mentioning is that the Link R3 Snake shorts are designed according to the same Spine Concept. The padding isn't quite as advanced and they're a little heavier but, on the other hand, they're a more palatable (but not cheap!) £165.

Overall, the Fizik Link R1 Snake shorts put in an exceptionally good performance, offering a fabulous level of comfort. It's just the price tag that's a whopping great obstacle.

Verdict

Exceptionally comfortable shorts specifically designed to be used with a Fizik saddle... and then there's the price!

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Fizik Link R1 Snake bib shorts

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Fizik says, "The Link R1 Snake is extremely lightweight at just 155g. It's designed and cut for a racing fit, with the quick-drying woven fabric's ergo-centric pattern supporting the muscles to improve riding experience and performance. The material's density, thickness and module force are calibrated to offer the best compression and freedom of movement, with minimal seams for enhanced comfort. The 3D Molded chamois with seamless padding is shaped to align perfectly with the appropriate Fizik saddle and works in conjunction with the shape and length of the garment that's calibrated to deliver the best comfort and maximum performance when riding in the position identified by the Spine Concept EVO designation: Snake, Chameleon or Bull."

Mat has worked for loads of bike magazines over 20+ years, and been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. He's been road.cc technical editor for eight years, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a past winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer.

7 comments

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Freddy56[380 posts]1 year ago

1 like

Got to call out the reviewer on giving it 4 stars.

In a market DROWNING in good kit at 1/3 of this cost. A disgrace. Promoting £250 (which is what you are with the review) is normalizing the cost/value.

Couldnt disagree more with Freddy56, value for money shouldnt enter into the criteria when rating the product. Just tell me how good it, not how good value it is. I can then make the decision on whether I think it's worth it and if I'd be happy to pay the price.

Couldnt disagree more with Freddy56, value for money shouldnt enter into the criteria when rating the product. Just tell me how good it, not how good value it is. I can then make the decision on whether I think it's worth it and if I'd be happy to pay the price.

I see your point, but a manufacturer that can blend excellent products at reasonable price points should get the higher ratings. It has to come into it. On the flip side, I'd like to hear from the reviewer if they rate these compared to Assos S7's and Rapha shorts. Even Q36.5 bib shorts are worth considering at this price point, of which I believe their founder was paid by Fizik to help develop these. The Dottore bib shorts from Q36.5 are probably very similar to these, without the silly variations.

Couldnt disagree more with Freddy56, value for money shouldnt enter into the criteria when rating the product. Just tell me how good it, not how good value it is. I can then make the decision on whether I think it's worth it and if I'd be happy to pay the price.

Of course price comes inot a criteria in rating as well.

If it is £10,000 to give a 5 stars will be pointless because hardly anyone will buy it except the very few.

the whole point of a review is for the public to take advice on board so they can make an informed purchase. Otherise why would anyone care about the review.

At £250 I doubht I will even consider it because there are so many others out there that is far better value and one that can recommend to the general public.

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